1.1 Introduction
Teenage pregnancy is defined as pregnancy occurring in a young woman who has not yet reached her 20th birthday. It encompasses pregnancies that are intended, unintended, or result from consensual or non-consensual sexual activity (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Teenage pregnancy is a significant public health issue that has far-reaching social, economic, and health implications. It refers to pregnancies occurring in young women aged 13-19.
The incidence of teenage pregnancy varies widely across different regions and communities, influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. Socioeconomic status plays a pivotal role in teenage pregnancy rates. Adolescents from lower-income families are at a higher risk due to limited access to education and healthcare. The lack of financial stability can lead to environments where early sexual activity is more common and contraceptive use is less frequent.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Historically, teenage pregnancy was often normative in many societies, with young women marrying and starting families soon after reaching puberty. However, with the advent of industrialization, urbanization, and the increase in educational and professional opportunities for women, the trend began to shift, especially in high-income countries. Despite this shift, teenage pregnancy remains a persistent issue, particularly in communities with limited access to education and healthcare. Teenage pregnancy remains a critical public health concern globally, with substantial variation in its prevalence and outcomes across different regions and socio-economic groups. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 16 million girls aged 15 to 19 give birth each year, accounting for about 11% of all births worldwide. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, where socio-economic disparities significantly influence reproductive health outcomes.
The 20th century witnessed significant transformations in societal attitudes towards teenage pregnancy. The introduction of compulsory education laws and the increased availability of secondary and higher education for women contributed to a decline in teenage pregnancies in many countries. The sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, along with the advent of reliable contraceptive methods such as the birth control pill, further influenced reproductive behaviors among adolescents.
The socioeconomic impact of teenage pregnancy is profound. Adolescent mothers are less likely to complete their education, which reduces their employment opportunities and lifetime earnings potential. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty and limits socio-economic mobility. Additionally, children born to teenage mothers often face higher risks of low birth weight, preterm birth, and neonatal complications, further stressing healthcare systems.
Teenage pregnancy poses significant health risks for both the mother and the child. Adolescents are more likely to experience complications such as preeclampsia, anemia, and obstructed labor due to their physical immaturity. Moreover, teenage mothers are at higher risk of experiencing mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, which can affect their ability to care for their infants. Education and access to reproductive health services are critical in addressing teenage pregnancy. Comprehensive sex education that includes information about contraception and healthy relationships can empower adolescents to make informed choices. However, access to these resources remains uneven, with many young people facing barriers such as cultural stigma, lack of confidentiality, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
Teenage pregnancy in developed countries are usually outside of marriage and for this reason, it carries a social stigma in many communities and countries. Some teenage pregnancies in developed countries are usually outside of marriage and for this reason it carries a social stigma in many communities and countries. Some teenage pregnancy occurs as a result of young women’s sexual in experience and an inadequate understanding of their reproductive matters and access to contraception are necessary to prevent unintended teenage pregnancies and childbearing. Not all teenagers’ pregnancies are unplanned, however a survey of 589 pregnant western Australian Adolescents (12-17) reported that 17% started that they planned to (Corkindale, 2002).
According to Kinby (2001) victims of teenage pregnancy lacked information or probably were not adequately educated on safe-sex either by their parents, schools or development agencies that could have enabled them deal with friends who lure them into sex prematurely. He stressed further that children of single parents are more vulnerable to teenage pregnancy. in the same vein exposure to sexual content on television, sexuality in the media, pornographic and sex chart rooms by teenagers, could most likely tune them to engage in sexual activities (L’Engle et al., 2006; Park, 2008). Acceptance of gift for sex and some adult deliberately taking advantage of poor teenagers, encouraging them into having sex were also noted as factors responsible for teenage pregnancy (United Nation, 2001). Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to assess the Factors Associated with Teenage Pregnancy in Secondary Calabar Municipal.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that low educational attainment is both a cause and consequence of teenage pregnancy. Girls who drop out of school are more likely to become pregnant, and pregnancy often interrupts or ends their educational trajectories. This educational disruption limits future career prospects and perpetuates economic disadvantages. Additionally, family dynamics play a crucial role in the likelihood of teenage pregnancy. Adolescents from single-parent households, those with low parental involvement, and those experiencing family instability are at higher risk. Lack of communication about sexual health and insufficient parental guidance contribute to early and unprotected sexual activity among teens.
Furthermore, peer influence and social networks significantly impact adolescent behavior. Teens are more likely to engage in early sexual activity and become pregnant if their peers do the same. Peer pressure and the desire for social acceptance can lead to risky behaviors, including unprotected sex. Hence, it is against this backdrop that this study aims to examine the Factors Associated with Teenage Pregnancy in Secondary Calabar Municipal.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Factors Associated with Teenage Pregnancy in Secondary Calabar Municipal. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To identify the socio-economic barriers that limit access to education and healthcare for adolescents at risk of teenage pregnancy;
- To explore the influence of peer groups and social networks on adolescents’ sexual behavior and pregnancy risk;
- To examine the relationship between socio-economic status and the prevalence of teenage pregnancy; and
- To assess the impact of parent-child communication regarding sexual health on the incidence of teenage pregnancy.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there barriers to accessing these services and suggest strategies to improve availability and utilization?
- Is there any relationship between socio-economic status and the prevalence of teenage pregnancy?
- Is teenage pregnancy a threat to the collective performance of the class?
- What is the influence of peer groups and social networks on adolescents’ sexual behavior and pregnancy risk?
- What is the impact of parent-child communication regarding sexual health on the incidence of teenage pregnancy?
- What are the socio-economic barriers that limit access to education and healthcare for adolescents at risk of teenage pregnancy?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Participation in comprehensive sex education programs is negatively associated with teenage pregnancy rates
- H1: Participation in comprehensive sex education programs is positively associated with teenage pregnancy rates
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Teenagers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are not likely to experience teenage pregnancy compared to those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds
- H1: Teenagers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are likely to experience teenage pregnancy compared to those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds
1.7 Significance of Study
The findings of this study will provide valuable insights for policymakers. Effective policies that address the root causes of teenage pregnancy can be developed and implemented, focusing on education, healthcare access, and social support systems.
Additionally, the findings from this study are very important to schools, parents and guardians. It can be used to educate students on the consequences of engaging in pre-marital sex and how teenage pregnancy can sabotage their academic pursuits.
Furthermore, this research will add to the body of academic research on teenage pregnancy, providing evidence-based insights that can be used by researchers, educators, and practitioners. It helps to bridge gaps in existing literature and paves the way for further studies.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Factors Associated with Teenage Pregnancy in Secondary Calabar Municipal.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Teenage Pregnancy:
Teenage pregnancy is defined as pregnancy occurring in a young woman who has not yet reached her 20th birthday. It encompasses pregnancies that are intended, unintended, or result from consensual or non-consensual sexual activity (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
Socio-Economic Status:
Socio-Economic Status refers to the social standing or class of an individual or group, often measured as a combination of education, income, and occupation. SES influences a variety of health outcomes, including the risk of teenage pregnancy (American Psychological Association, 2017).
Educational Attainment:
Educational attainment denotes the highest level of education that an individual has completed. It is a critical factor in determining various life outcomes, including the likelihood of teenage pregnancy (National Center for Education Statistics, 2019).
Family Dynamics:
Family dynamics refers to the patterns of interactions among family members, including the quality of relationships, communication styles, and roles within the family unit. These dynamics can significantly influence adolescent behavior and the risk of teenage pregnancy (National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, 2005).
